Never Stop Learning

10 years. That’s how long it took me to get my dental degree (thanks to a detour through pharmacy school). Ever heard of a super senior? I was a super, duper, duper, duper, duper, duper senior.

Kids: feel free to contact me about how to accomplish this and still have your parents love you.

It was a long, hard journey to and through dental school; so when it was all over I was so darn happy I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

What I didn’t realize that day, however, is that my dental education was just beginning. It’s taken me awhile to realize it, but that’s one of the main reasons I love what I do. I’ll never know everything, and that’s ok, but the pursuit is so much fun.

After dental school I completed a one year Advanced Education in Dental Education residency through the Air Force in Washington, D.C. It was amazing, and I’m relatively certain I learned more in that one year than I did in four years of dental school.

I learned from the best there, amazing doctors that demanded a lot from me; but I’m so glad they did because it made me an infinitely better dentist. More than that, though, they taught me how much I didn’t know, and gave me an appetite for continuing education.

I want the best for my patients and strive to provide it. How can we do something faster, easier, higher in quality, and lower in cost? Continually learning, that’s how. And boy have I learned.

This past weekend was the annual Minnesota Dental Association meeting. Every year I debate going (sorry salesy dental vendors and stuffy dentists), and every year I’m glad I do. This year I got to listen to an expert from Toronto speak about doing root canals faster, better, and safer. What’s not to love about that?

At Carver Dental it’s our belief that we have an unwavering responsibility to pursue continuing education in order to further our knowledge and skill. We’ll never stop learning, that’s our commitment to you.